“Ludologica. Videogames d’Autore” is pleased to announce its call forpapers for a book on Sid Meier’s series “Civilization”.

Provisionally titled “Civilization and its discontents. Virtual history.Real fantasies”, this interdisciplinary volume will explore a range oftopics regarding the aesthetics, politics and logic of the simulation,its (v)ideological implications and possible uses for educationalpurposes. The editors are looking for original contributions from avariety of fields, including new media studies, game studies, history,sociology, philosophy, art history, and anthropology.

Possible topics may include (but are not limited to):

- “Civilization” and ideology- “Civilization” as contested space for race/class/gender issues- “Civilization” as a form of virtual imperialism- Genesis, history and evolution of the “Civilization” series- Subversive/transformative play in “Civilization”- Sid Meier as an auteur- Sid Meier’s game production (from “Silent Service” to “SimGolf”)- An analysis of hypotexts inspired by Meier’s games (e.g.,novelizations of “Alpha Centauri” or strategy guides)- Simulations, videogames and postmodernism- Relationships between history and video games

For the purpose of review, please submit a 500-1000 word abstract(including 6 keywords) no later than November 20 2003 to Matteo Bittantiat mbittanti_at_libero.it. A one page curriculum vitae or short biographywill also be appreciated.

The accepted authors will be notified by mid-December and asked tosubmit a complete draft of their papers no later than January 31, 2004.Manuscripts should be 3,000-7,000 words, double-spaced. MLA citationspreferred. All textual contributions must be written in English orItalian. The submission should be fully referenced. If you have anyquestions, please email Matteo Bittanti at mbittanti_at_libero.it.

Launched in 2003, “Ludologica. Videogames d’autore” is a new series ofbooks that honor the most significant video games ever produced. Inthese paperbacks, distinguished game critics, scholars, and novelistsdiscuss the production and reception of their chosen video games in thecontext of an argument about the games social, cultural, and aestheticimportance. “Ludologica. Videogames d'Autore” is part of a largerproject on video game and new media research funded by Libera Universitàdi Lingue e Comunicazione (IULM)/Cariplo Foundation. Books are printedand distributed by Edizioni Unicopli, one of the leading publishers ofacademic texts in Italy. For more information: www.ludologica.com